News Release

Ringing in the New Year with Quality Health Coverage for Oklahoma’s Children

OKLAHOMA CITY – As we roll into the New Year, we vow to stick to those New Year resolutions. For some it may be eating healthier, working out or keeping up with routine doctor visits. But for a child without health insurance, this can be a challenge.

The Oklahoma Health Care Authority has launched an initiative called SoonerEnroll to ensure that qualified children have access to quality health care.

More than 480,000 Oklahoma children are currently enrolled in SoonerCare, Oklahoma’s Medicaid program. According to U.S. Census Bureau estimates, another 60,000 children qualify for SoonerCare but are not enrolled. SoonerCare provides children with free health and dental benefits.

“The physical and mental health of a child can have a significant impact on his or her ability to be successful in school and in life; yet many do not have sufficient access to quality health care,” said Ed Long, project director of SoonerEnroll. “With SoonerEnroll, we are making a concentrated effort to let people know SoonerCare is available if they qualify.”

The Oklahoma Health Care Authority wants to help families start the New Year with healthy kids and enrolling them in SoonerCare and ensuring routine check-ups are a step towards that goal.

To find out more information about SoonerEnroll or the OHCA’s health care programs, call the SoonerCare Helpline at 1-800-987-7767 or visit www.okhca.org. Applications are also accepted online at www.mysoonercare.org.